9-Day Croatia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zadar to Rijeka, Zagreb, Šibenik, and Split and surrounding area

Day 2 of your road trip across Croatia promises a magnificent time exploring what to see in Zadar. You have 1 night left in Zadar. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

One of the most locally appreciated attractions included on the itinerary is Narodni Trg. This romantic public square will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Market Zadar and learn what makes this picture-perfect market unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the spectacular Sea Organ. After exploring the art installation, head to Roman Forum. This beloved archeological site is a highlight in Zadar. As your day continues, stop by Church Of St. Donatus, known for its culturally significant features.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Croatia. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Zadar's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restoran "Mamma Mia" Zadar, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Pet Bunara Dine & Wine offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Restaurant 2Ribara. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Zadar.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Pirate Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Caffe Bar Bizarre for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Backstage Bar is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Croatia!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Croatia. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Smiljan and Senj. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Rijeka, where will spend 2 nights.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Smiljan may take around 1 hour 20 min. Upon your arrival in Smiljan, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Nikola Tesla Memorial Center, an increasingly popular museum in Smiljan. Explore its history-steeped features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

After soaking in Smiljan’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Senj. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 15 min. When you arrive in Senj, it's time to take a break from the road.

Spend your afternoon discovering Nehaj Fortress, a curiosity-inducing castle known for its respected features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Plaža Prva Draga, an often recommended beach.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Sundial On The 45th Parallel and uncover the details of this culturally significant monument.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Rijeka, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Rijeka's best restaurants.

Begin your culinary exploration in Rijeka by securing a reservation at Nebo by Deni Srdoč. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern and creative cuisine. Or, for a change of pace, Restaurant Capote y Ole. Boasts a menu that's sure to impress.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Charlie Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Wine Bar "kod Zajca", another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Phanas Pub Rijeka Est.2001 also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Croatia!

On day 4 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Pula. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Rijeka, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Rijeka and set your GPS to Pula. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 33 min. Upon reaching Pula, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Our first attraction recommendation in Pula is Aquarium Pula, a well-known aquarium that draws attention for its photogenic features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Forum Square, a grand public square that stands out in the city.

Time flies when you're having fun! But don't forget to stop for a bit to eat and drink between your adventures. When you're rested and recharged, head to Temple Of Augustus, a notable monument that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore Pula Arena, a nearby archeological site, highly recommended by other travelers.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Rijeka.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Rijeka. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Don’t miss out on dining at Trattoria Krug, a top-rated dining destination in Rijeka. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Zelena Dolina, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Buffet "Cocco". With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Rijeka this evening.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Teatro Lounge Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Book Caffe Dnevni Boravak provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Pub "bačva" offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Say good night to Rijeka and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Croatia!

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Croatia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Zagreb. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Zagreb, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Rijeka, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Zagreb. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 46 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Bundek, a well-known park known for its romantic features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Croatian National Theatre In Zagreb, a locally appreciated performing arts theater.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Zagreb Zoo and uncover the details of this visually striking zoo. Make sure to also explore Park Maksimir, a notable park. For your last stop, consider Ban Josip Jelačić Statue, a symbolic monument that many travelers find worth the detour.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Zagreb. Zagreb offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Zagreb. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Don’t miss out on dining at Zinfandel's Restaurant, a top-rated dining destination in Zagreb. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Rougemarin City. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Zagreb this evening.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Tesla New Generation, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Caffe Bar Destino offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Booze And Blues. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Croatia.

On day 7 of your road trip in Croatia, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Šibenik and Split are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Split, where you will stay for 1 night.

Catch Šibenik Cathedral before the crowds roll in. This visually striking church is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the history-steeped features of St. Nicholas’ Fortress, a must-visit castle in the city.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Split may take around 1 hour 7 min. Upon your arrival in Split, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Mestrovic Gallery, a beloved art gallery that everyone visiting Split should see. Next, head to Marjan. This serene park is one of the most popular attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Kašjuni Beach, a mesmerizing beach popular among locals as well as travelers.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Split, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Split. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Nevera Tavern, a highly-rated dining destination in Split. If you're eager to try something different, consider Perivoj restoran i kavana, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Konoba Laganini. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Split this evening.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, La Linea offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Fabrique Pub provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Croatia!

Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in Croatia. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Split. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Zadar, where you'll spend 1 night.

No visit to Split is complete without Froggyland. This worthwhile museum is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Diocletian's Palace, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Split, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Diocletian's Cellars. This curiosity-inducing archeological site is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Golden Gate, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. West Bank is yet another highly recommended place to visit nearby, offering plenty to discover for curious travelers.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Zadar. Zadar offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Zadar's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Roko, a top-rated dining destination in Zadar. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Harbor CookHouse & Club, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restoran Urnebes. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Zadar this evening.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting The Garden Lounge, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Down Town is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Beach Bar Bamboo also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Head back to your accommodation in Zadar and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Croatia.